To Study the Relationship between Psychology and
Literature
Kawaljeet
Kaur1*, Dr. Seema Verma2
1 Research
Scholar, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh,
India
kawaljeet246@gmail.com
2 Associate
Professor, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Uttar
Pradesh, India
Abstract: The interplay between
psychology and English literature offers profound insights into the human
condition, exploring the complex layers of human emotions, motivations, and
behavior. From the introspective soliloquies of Shakespearean tragedies to the
modernist exploration of consciousness in Virginia Woolf’s and James Joyce’s
works, literature reflects the depth of human psyche and the influence of inner
struggles on external actions. Both the interior workings of the mind and its
outward manifestations are included under the broader field of psychology Examining literary and
cultural expressions from other countries, languages, and academic fields has
been a challenging and sluggish path for the field of comparative literature. we can understand the many
issues that plagued Victorian society as a result of the Industrial Revolution,
which transformed England from an agricultural to an industrial powerhouse.
Keywords:
Relationship,
Psychology, Literature, human and languages.
INTRODUCTION
In Greek literature, thinkers like Aristotle
placed a premium on psychology, which has since grown in prominence. The two
fields have a deep connection since they both focus on human experience their
thoughts, emotions, responses, fears, losses, loves, hates, anxieties,
sufferings, hopes, desires, conflicts, and so on. The ability to accurately
portray human nature via fictional characters and stories is a hallmark of
great writing (Cherry, 2020). As a kind of entertaining and thought-provoking
entertainment, they show how individuals act, think, and make sense of the
world around them. The field of psychology is useful for immersing the reader
in the mental side of life. While literature utilizes fiction to portray human
behavior, psychology seeks to understand human behavior and its origins.
Psychology: Patterns of human behavior that may be seen are the
focus of psychology. The field of psychology, however, defies straightforward
definition. The scientific study of human behavior and cognition is known as
psychology in a larger sense. Mental processes, behavior, and brain function
are the subjects of this field of research. It takes into account the ways in
which people's biology, their surroundings, and societal norms impact their
emotions, behaviors, and thoughts (Harmon, W., 2009).
Literature: Literature shows how people act in response to their
surroundings and challenges. On literature, many academics have diverse
perspectives and ideas. The "idiosyncratic values" of man, his varied
experiences, and literature are the "most significant means to gain
knowledge," says contemporary linguist and father Noam Chomsky. A literary
work is an artistic creation. The work is an anthology of essays. The word
"literature" is most appropriately used when used to literary art,
according to Wellek and Warren (1963:22). The author's imagination is a key
component in the creation of literature. This is more than simply a record of
events, even if they did take place in the actual world.
The focus of psychological literature is on
the individual's internal experiences rather than on the external behaviors of
others or events. Certainly, the field of psychology aids authors in creating
compelling characters by allowing them to convey not only their sensations and
emotions but also their ideas and the impact of certain events on their minds.
Here we take a look at a few books to see how the author paints a picture of
their characters and the depth of their portrayal (James, H., 2015).
There are numerous influential literary works
that touch on psychological themes. Some psychological aspect can be found in
nearly all literary works. Both the interior workings of the mind and its
outward manifestations are included under the broader field of psychology. The
writer focuses on the inner life of the character, including his thoughts,
emotions, and feelings, rather than the person's behavior on the outside, while
discussing psychology in literature. A character's inner life—their wants,
thoughts, emotions, and feelings—are the primary topics of a psychological
book. In its widest meaning, a "psychological novel" may be any
narrative piece of fiction that places a heavy focus on complicated characters.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WORK IN
LITERATURE
Literary works that fall under the umbrella
of "psychological fiction" or "psychological realism" often
focus on the inner lives of its protagonists and antagonists, delving into
their thoughts, feelings, and spirituality (Kumar, D. S. 2022). The narrative
style delves into the motivations behind the characters' actions, which drive
the storyline and provide context. To attain psychological realism, one must
delve deeply into the character's inner thoughts and feelings, often using
storytelling techniques like flashbacks and stream of consciousness.
·
Psychological
horror: A subgenre of the
horror and psychological novel genres that relies on the psychological,
emotional and mental states of characters to generate horror. On occasions, it
overlaps with the psychological thriller subgenre to enhance the story suspense
fully.
·
Psychological
science fiction: A genre
with films that are considered dramas or thrillers occurring in a science
fiction setting. Often the focus is on the character's inner struggle dealing
with political or technological forces. A Clockwork Orange (1971) is a notable
example of this genre.
·
Psychological
Novel: The stream of
consciousness is one of the distinguishing features of a Psychological Novel.
It is an important aspect of a Psychological Novel. The term “stream of
consciousness” was coined by the American philosopher and psychologist, William
James. “A psychological novel, also called psychological realism, is a work of
prose fiction which places more than the usual amount of emphasis on interior
characterization, and on the motives, circumstances, and internal action which
springs from, and develops, external action.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LITERATURE AND
PSYCHOLOGY
The human spirit is the subject of both
literature and psychology. While literature depicts human behavior via fiction,
psychology teaches us about human behaviors and what causes them. Reading
literature is a great way to learn about the human condition. The fields of
literature and psychology both have much to offer each other in their study of
human behavior. The literary canon includes works by many authors, artists,
philosophers, psychiatrists, and psychologists who have sought to understand
and make sense of the human condition via the medium of language (Mieliana, S.
2020). Both literature and psychology deal with human nature and everything
that it entails: emotions, thoughts, deeds, goals, struggles, disputes,
cultural differences, individual distinctions, reconciliations, and societal
issues. To handle the problems, it employs a number of strategies and
methodologies.
It is possible that Samuel Richardson's
writings from the 18th century mark the beginning of psychological novels. The
finest illustration of this is his book, Clarissa. Novels with a psychological
bent may trace their roots back to the groundbreaking work of psychologists
Jung and Freud. The crime and its psychological impact on the protagonist are
the book's most recognizable features. The vast majority of literature is the
product of the writers' own imaginations. Samuel Richardson's Pamela (1740) is
a classic work of psychological fiction. In this work by Samuel Richardson, the
protagonist is a young woman navigating the challenges of married life,
including sexual assault, classism, and violence. The Turn of the Screw, a
psychological thriller by the great Henry James, is another example of his
work.
A mother's desire to shield her children from
a supernatural being is at the heart of the narrative. However, the narrative
pivots in the novel's second half to center on the woman's mental condition. A
touch of the otherworldly coexists with psychological aspects. The following is
an excerpt from the book: "Absolutely not! There are a lot of
depths!" I find more and more of it as I read it, and the more I find, the
more afraid I am. According to Richardson (1898), "I don't know what I
don't see—what I don't fear!" Murder on the Orient Express (1934) and Then
There Were None (1939) are two famous books by Agatha Christie that include
significant psychological aspects. Her psychologically complex and riveting novels
have made her famous. "Great Expectations" (1860), a book by Charles
Dickens, is another excellent example. It was the fourteenth book written by
Charles Dickens (1812–1870). It tells the story of Pip, an orphan youngster.
Pip goes through a period of self-discovery throughout the book. He had written
a famous book. The risks of having erroneous impressions are shown.
RELATING TO THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN LITERATURE
AND PSYCHOLOGY
Various courses on literary criticism and
theory have been offered by English Languages and Literature. Students of
literature in these classes learn about other fields' perspectives and how
their fields relate to literature. The field of comparative literature is one
such example. One may cultivate a discerning and well-rounded reader, writer,
and thinker in an atmosphere that strives to develop insights into literature
and culture in a comparative perspective (Omer, M. A. O. 2021).
Students of literature may benefit from
studying comparative literature since it teaches them to analyze and evaluate
works written in languages other than their own, as well as works from various
cultures. The program teaches us how to articulate our ideas clearly, how to
use various theoretical and methodological frameworks, and how to have fruitful
conversations with other scholars in the area of comparative literature and
related disciplines.
Literary theory is an interdisciplinary field
that studies literature from all over the world, in all different languages, in
all different genres, and even in different fields (such as psychology,
philosophy, science, history, architecture, sociology, politics, and the fine
arts). Simply put, the study of literature across boundaries is known as
comparative literature. Based on what I learned in this class, I decided to
write this term paper to help me pass the grade.
Examining literary and cultural expressions
from other countries, languages, and academic fields has been a challenging and
sluggish path for the field of comparative literature. Literature on comparison
"performs a role similar to that of the study of international relations,
but works with languages and artistic traditions, so as to understand cultures
'from the inside” (Suresh, L. 2022).
The study of the human spirit is essential to
the fields of literature and psychology. The field of psychology studies human
behavior and its origins, while the literary canon presents fictional
representations of human behavior. There is a strong relationship between and
mutual benefit between these two fields that examine human behavior (Vrettos,
A. 2010). Literary works serve as the foundation for the relationship between
literature and psychology.
Following in Freud's footsteps, other
illustrious psychologists like Adler, Jung, Lacan, Fromm, Reich, and Klein
maintained the field's focus on literature, literary works, and authors. The
field of literary psychology has benefited from the work of authors and
literary theorists including N. Holland, Lev Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and
Virginia Woolf.
Many different types of literature, including
novels, poems, short tales, plays, and novels, include psychological themes.
Psychological novels, on the other hand, make the most direct allusion to the
human mind by focusing on characters' internal monologues and the range of
emotions and experiences they've had. Aristotle, a century ago, used the phrase
catharsis (the psychological or mental cleansing of the sentiments) to bridge
the gap between literature and psychology. Writers, philosophers, and critics
from that age and beyond have linked literature with the human psyche via a
variety of approaches and movements (Arasa, Goksen, 2014). It was not just
tragedies that fused psychological aspects with literary creation; novels, poetry,
short stories, and even some psychoanalytical theories did the same.
According to academic Ismet Emre (2006, p.
III), the connection between the two fields is as follows:
There isn't a single scientific discipline
that devotes as much time and energy to investigating the tangled web of
relationships between the human body and mind as literature and psychology do.
These fields have spent the better part of a century trying to pin down the
nature of this relationship, uncovering its hidden mysteries and delving into
the depths of the human subconscious. (Emre, 2006)
The link between literature and psychology
dates back to the Ancient Greeks, but the positivist approach of the nineteenth
century brought the two fields closer together.
We can confidently say that Freud exemplifies
the relationship between literature and psychology better than anybody else.
Because his theories were based on literary references (the Oedipus complex is
called after a character from a play by the great Greek playwright Sophocles,
for example), and because his ideas continue to influence authors and poets
long after he passed away. (From Psychology is Literature to Psychology in
Literature, 2014)
The works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Bernard
Shaw's Superman, Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, Antonin Artaud's Saved,
Martin Esslin's theatre of the absurd, etc., could all be examined through the
lens of the interplay between the human mind and literature.
Let us see the poem of William Wordsworth
My heart leaps up
when I behold A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my
life began; So is it know I am a man,
So be it when I shall
grow old; Or let me die!
The child is the
father of the man;
And I could wish my
days to be
Bound each to each by
natural piety.
Poet William Wordsworth of England penned
"The Child is father of the Man" a century before to psychoanalyst
Sigmund Freud developing his theory of psychoanalytic development. Physical
maturity (such as sexual maturation) and the development of the body, mind, and
character (such as psychological growth, social interaction, and adaptability)
begin at birth and continue throughout a child's life. Literature, therefore,
plays a crucial role in reflecting the mental health of people in the actual
world.
THEORY OF COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
The modern meaning of comparative literature
differs greatly from its global context-based predecessors. The field of
comparative cultural studies has recently expanded beyond the traditional
confines of comparative literature (Lacan, Jacque, 1988). Although the
theoretical and practical/applied works mentioned earlier and others have given
us a glimpse into the field of comparative literature and its methodologies,
approaches, and advancements, it is fair to say that we still don't fully grasp
the field's theory, practice, or contributions.
The obvious lack of clarity on "what,
why or how" we would compare—i.e., specific literary works or authors'
oeuvres—is evident. In order to begin studying comparative literature, we must
first find the answers to these questions. A well-defined methodological
framework is essential, but we also need to debate its scope and look for
solutions to problems like "who/what will we compare us/ours?" How
are we going to compare the texts? Basically, we need to decide which books and
authors to compare (Lynn, Steven, 1988). How do other people see us, and how do
we see them? "How many are we?" is a question that arises in Spivak's
Death of a Discipline, notwithstanding I asked, "Who are they?"
(Spivak, 2003, p. 70) that she draws attention to has implications for
cross-border comparative cultural studies in the field of New Comparative
Literature.
Literary criticism and study will benefit from
comparative studies because of this. But many opponents have argued over
comparative literature's scope and approach. As a field of study, comparative
literature requires its practitioners to strike a balance between breadth and
depth, to employ innovative methods for dissecting literary works, to draw on
the findings of related fields like linguistics, anthropology, philosophy,
sociology, psychology, and art history, and, of course, to remain open to new
ideas and perspectives (Murfin, Ross, 1997). When asked about his thoughts on
what it means to study comparative literature, Bijay Kumar Das says:
In comparative
literature, two works of literature are compared in order to find commonalities
and differences. Additionally, it delves into the use of folktales and myths in
two or more literatures, as well as their recurring themes, styles, and customs.
(Das,)
PSYCHOLOGY AND CRITICISM
If literature is an author's
"persona" coming to life on paper, then psychoanalytic literary
criticism contends that we may learn about the interplay between our conscious
and unconscious minds by studying human behavior. The history of psychoanalytic
literary criticism may be divided into three distinct stages (Davis, R. C.,
1998).
One of them is the author's psychoanalysis.
Since the point of art is the covert fulfillment of an illicit childhood
desire, the author's mental state influences the work, argues Ernest Jones.
PSYCHOLOGY AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS
While there are new obstacles for
neuroscientists to overcome in their pursuit of understanding inspiration,
comparable obstacles have been surmounted in the study of insight and other
concepts. The groundwork for a thorough neuroscience of inspiration, in our
opinion, has been laid. Not only can inspiration impact people's lives, but it
may also transform whole communities. Innovations in technology, treatments for
illness, and remedies for environmental issues all begin as lofty goals. The
significance of understanding the why, how, and who behind the ideation process
of innovative solutions to social challenges cannot be emphasized enough.
CONCLUSION
we
can understand the many issues that plagued Victorian society as a result of
the Industrial Revolution, which transformed England from an agricultural to an
industrial powerhouse. As a work of Victorian-era literature, "Jane
Eyre" is critical of the class stratification in England. An accomplished
author, Charlotte Brontë fights for dignity, equality, and the elimination of
class distinctions in her writings. Literature shows how people act in response to their surroundings and
challenges. On literature, many academics have diverse perspectives and ideas.
The "idiosyncratic values" of man, his varied experiences, and
literature are the "most significant means to gain knowledge," says
contemporary linguist and father Noam Chomsky. The human spirit is the subject of
both literature and psychology. While literature depicts human behavior via
fiction, psychology teaches us about human behaviors and what causes them.
Reading literature is a great way to learn about the human condition.
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